Research journal of textile and apparel 

About: Research journal of textile and apparel is an academic journal published by Emerald Publishing Limited. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Dyeing & Clothing. It has an ISSN identifier of 1560-6074. Over the lifetime, 813 publications have been published receiving 4689 citations. The journal is also known as: Journal of Hong Kong Institution of Textile and Apparel & Fǎngzhī fúzhuāng yánjiū xuēbào.

Fashion 4.0. Innovating fashion industry through digital transformation

Abstract: The on-going transition of societies and economies toward different organizational paradigms deeply informed by digital technologies is at the very center of current debates, involving scholars and impacting on a broad context of disciplines, ranging from humanities to science and technology. Therefore, the so-called “Fourth Industrial Revolution” has been described as a model where new modes of production and consumption will dramatically transform all major industrial systems; it has been targeted by many governmental plans as a goal for a sustainable future. While general frameworks describing 4.0 paradigm are codified and accessible, implementation strategies and their implications on specific local and sectorial systems are largely unexplored. Starting from this assumption, this paper aims to provide insights on the current state of the art and major trends of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”, possibly identifying its impacts on the textile and apparel industry.,From a methodological standpoint, the study approaches the topic from the perspective of fashion domain experts which can contribute, with a positioning essay, to better understanding Industry 4.0 (I4.0) implementation within their specific domain. This experts’ perspective is enriched by several descriptive case studies (Yin, 1984) offering examples and insights on possible implementation of I4.0 solutions in fashion industry, also showing the potential of a design driven perspective.,Starting from a synthesis of I4.0 framework and principles, the paper aims at showing their impacts on business units, processes and components within the specific context of the fashion industry. Through emerging evidences detected by experts’ domain perspective and exemplified by several descriptive cases, it offers a comprehensive overview of the potential implications of the Forth Industrial Revolution on this specific business. The picture drafted clearly shows how digital transformation, properly driven, could reshape the fashion industry into a more sustainable and truly customer-driven business. But, it also underlines criticalities and slowness of adoption by traditional established brands and companies. As a result, being focused on on-going phenomena, highly unexplored, it shows possible trajectories, enabling an effective transformation of textile and apparel industry embracing the I4.0 paradigm.,The paper has a broad perspective and could offer insights to different audiences, which could effectively contribute to a positive transition, to scholars and academics, who might want to better address the implementation of I4.0 model into real economic and social context, focusing on medium – long-term implications and showing innovation pathways which are still unexplored, second to practitioners, who are usually immersed into strict silos of competences and business functions and can start to build new bridges and interconnection within the system, taking advantages of I4.0 potential, finally to policy-makers who can better shape development frameworks targeted to specific industries whose features require peculiar approaches and actions.

Determining Functional Groups of Commercially Available Ink-Jet Printing Reactive Dyes Using Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract: An infrared (IR) spectroscopic technique was used to determine the possible functional groups and chemical compounds present in commercially available ink-jet printing reactive dyes of four primary colours, i.e. Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. Although other instrumental analytical methods can help to determine the actual chemical composition of reactive dyes, the IR technique alone can still provide important structural information about the commercially available reactive dyes. Experimental results revealed that the reactive dyes under determination contained the same functional groups and chemical compounds as the reference reactive dyes.

Nanoparticle Coatings for UV Protective Textiles

Abstract: TAs the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases every year, effective methods to block UV rays to protect human skin, plastics, timber and other polymer materials are urgently sought. Textiles serve as important materials for UV protection in many applications. The utilisation of nanoparticles to textile materials has been the object of several studies aimed at producing finished fabrics with different performances. This article reviews the recent advancements in the field of UV blocking textiles and fibers that are functionalised with nanostructured surface coatings. Different types of UV blocking agents are discussed and various examples of UV blocking textiles that utilise zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) are presented. Future challenges, such as wash-fastness and photocatalysis, are also discussed.

Development of Cosmetic Textiles Using Microencapsulation Technology

Abstract: In recent years, textile materials have been found in applications in the cosmetics field. A new sector of cosmetic textiles is introduced and several commercial cosmetic textile products are currently available in the market. On contact with human body and skin, cosmetic textiles are designed to transfer an active substance for cosmetic purposes. The principle is achieved by simply imparting the cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients into the fabric of clothing so that with the natural movement of the body, the skin is slowly freshened and revitalised. Microencapsulation technology is an effective technique used to control the release properties of active ingredients that prolong the functionality of cosmetic textiles. This paper will address the historical background of microencapsulation technology, its significant advantages and the most commonly used microencapsulation methods. Some typical examples of commercially available microencapsulation based cosmetic textile products will also be examined. R...

Designing Sustainable Fashion: Possibilities and Challenges

Abstract: In this study, we present a theoretical model, which draws together the elements of sustainability and fashion design. The data have been gathered from various sources, mainly academic literature, and a qualitative analysis has been carried out by following the principles of the grounded theory method: the data is analyzed by identifying and categorizing relevant concepts by using a constant comparative method, i.e. examining the internal consistency of each category. The aim of the model is to serve fashion designers, who wish to take sustainability into consideration. The analysis and the model answer the question of which principles and practices should be considered in sustainable fashion design. However, under further development, an integrated model helps to simultaneously see a number of facts and viewpoints that affect fashion production. The core category of the model is "considered take and return". It is based on design philosophies that are linked to other categories: material sourcing; fabric treatment; production methods; saving resources; societal implications; information transparency; and attachment and appreciation.